Jerry and Marianne Van Overwalle

“Jerry” Van Overwalle , 80 years old, and Marianne Van Overwalle, 81 years old, residents of Kinnelon, NJ, and recently Odenton, MD, entered the glories of Heaven together as husband and wife on May 31, 2021.  Jerry and Marianne were married for 55 years.

Both are survived by their three adult children: Theresa and husband Jim, Peter and wife Sarah, and David along with seven grandchildren: Liam, Sophia, MaryClare, Janie, Cayden, Grace, and Catherine.  Jerry is survived by his two sisters Marcia Riordan and husband Val and Pam Van Overwalle.  Marianne is survived by five brothers: Jim and wife Carol, Dave and Mary Hays, Joe and wife Sarasue, Rich and wife Lynne, and Ed and wife Laurie.  Collectively, Jerry and Marianne were proud aunt and uncle to 15 nephews and nieces and 19 great nephews and nieces.

Jerry was a proud graduate of  University of Notre Dame and University of Michigan with degrees in business. He dutifully served his country as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the United States Navy from 1963-1969. He joined his father “Bud” Van Overwalle in the automobile business and ran Phillips Chevrolet and Oldsmobile in Boonton, NJ.  He always made time for his family whether it was being available on phone, in person, or at his children or grandchildren's school and sporting events despite his long hours running the family business.  Jerry was an avid NY Giants, NY Yankees, and Notre Dame fan. He rarely watched anything on TV that was not sports related. He was a devout Catholic and attended daily Mass.  He passed wearing his scapular.    

Marianne attended Mercy College (currently known as University of Detroit Mercy) in Detroit, Michigan. She studied nursing and became an advocate for geriatric population.  Nursing was a calling and not a paycheck and Marianne treated each person as a family member.  Marianne had an uncanny ability to make friends with strangers within 15 minutes and make others feel like they were the most important person in the room.  She loved her family deeply and lived every moment for her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.  She was a confidante, a Band-Aid applier, a hugger, a taxi-driver (to all those school events), expert shopper and gift-giver, and most importantly a mother with unconditional love.  Her biggest accomplishment was living her faith. She evangelized with everyone she met and we know she is personally responsible for many conversions of lost souls into the Catholic Faith.  Marianne was a lay Carmelite, better known as the Third Order of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Losing one parent is difficult but losing both parents at once is beyond heartbreak. However as faithful Catholics, we rejoice in knowing without a doubt they are in the loving arms of our Great Creator, His Son Jesus Christ, our Blessed Virgin Mary, and beloved family members. Our family would be greatly appreciative of stories and memories of how our parents have touched your lives.

Jerry and Marianne were cremated last week. The Catholic Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 321 East Joliet Street, Crown Point, Indiana, on July 9th at 10 AM. Jerry and Marianne were married at St. Mary’s church in 1965. The new pastor, Fr. Kevin Huber, and close family priest Fr. Dan Riley along with Br. Joe Katula will concelebrate.  All are invited. Following the Funeral Mass, the committal service will be held at Calumet Park Cemetery, 2305 West 73rd Avenue, Merrillville, Indiana 46410 for immediate family.  Reception information to follow.

A Memorial mass will be held at Our Lady of the Magnificat Main Church on July 26 at 10:30am. Theresa, Peter, David, and their children will be present.

Flowers may be sent to St.Mary’s Catholic Church for July 9th 10am mass. Rosemary’s Heritage Flowers: 51 West Walnut St. Crown Point, IN 46307 #: 219-663-1640  https://www.rosemarysheritageflowers.com/

Donations in the name of Jerry and Marianne would be greatly appreciated for two of their charities close to their hearts.

• Mt Irenaeus, A Franciscan Mountain Community: Rooted in the Franciscan tradition and committed to a simple, joyful healing communion with God and all creation in contemporary everyday life: LINK
  
• Joseph’s Carmelite’s Home: A home for children run by the Carmelite Sisters in East Chicago, IL. The home was completely damaged by a fire in May 2021.  A GoFundMe charity page is set up for donations to help with the rebuild: LINK